Liverpool city region insurance venture Acorn Group submits £10m plans to transform a Royal Albert Dock office building into its main business hub employing up to 700 people. Tony McDonough reports
Insurance firm Acorn Group is to invest £10m upgrading Atlantic Pavilion in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock and transform it into its main operations hub.
Formby-based Acorn acquired the 81,000 sq ft Grade I-listed Atlantic Pavilion, located on the eastern quayside of the dock complex, in 2025 in a multi-million pound deal. It is home to other tenants including housing association Plus Dane.
Acorn employs more than 1,400 people. It offers home, car, taxi, van fleet and motor trade insurance in its product range. Most recent accounts show a 32% surge in revenues to £114m and pre-tax profits of almost £27m.
It has submitted a proposal to Liverpool City Council to carry out works to the building. It has employed heritage specialist Donald Insall Associates and ADT Workplace to deliver the project.
From early 2027, Acorn plans to move between 600 and 700 staff into the building. It intends to sub-let space to existing tenants at the site.
Daniel Keating, Acorn Group chief operating officer, told Place North West: “Investing in this iconic landmark represents an exciting milestone for Acorn. We are a growing, ambitious, and dynamic Merseyside-based business.
“As a major employer in the region, it’s vital to provide exceptional office space that supports our people while continuing our strong commitment to this great city we call home.
“By investing in Atlantic Pavilion, we’re embracing the history and character of the space while integrating Acorn’s modern working practices. It’s the perfect environment to inspire our people, nurture Acorn’s unique culture, and drive ongoing success.”
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Plans include a central café/collaboration space with basement gym, shower and wellbeing facilities. The first floor is mapped out as the central hub floor, with café, meeting rooms and pods and drop-in work zones.
Acorn’s corporate headquarters is at The Lighthouse in Formby and it also has offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London.